CATEGORIES

Clever by haaf

Brought to Scottish shores by the Vikings, the art of haaf netting has been practised for centuries but could now be at risk of dying out, laments Sir Johnny Scott

Arrowing experience to fill lockdown hours

While some took up breadmaking and learning new languages during the COVID-19 lockdown, Soldier Palmer turned to archery

This man-made idyll

There is so much more to management of our uplands than simply burning heather — they are ecological marvels, reveals Mike Swan

Upland keeper

It is striking the extent to which our perceptions of a bird or mammal are influenced by how colourful or cute it is; looks are often deceiving

The first real fall of snipe

Anticipating the arrival of the little waders is thrilling, the moon, weather and habitat all playing a vital role, explains Patrick Laurie

Take revision classes

With a semblance of normality returning at last, Sika is able to resume her training under the expert tutelage of gundog guru Ellena Swift

How does your shot measure up?

Fashion can influence favoured equipment but shot size should always be chosen to ensure a clean kill, says Simon Reinhold

Britain: blessed with the finest grouse?

From red to ruffed, the grouse family is extensive — but which of them provides the toughest hunting, wonders David Tomlinson

A terrific Twelfth

A promising number of testing grouse got the shooting season off to an encouraging and lively start on Yorkshire’s Bingley Moor, one of our finest sporting landscapes

A return to normality

As we emerge from the unsettling world of COVID-19, the thought of sport with rod and gun brings a sense of peace and comfort

A sporting life in Africa

Lockdown was hard for many reasons, not least being separated from beloved canine companions

A game plan for woodland

Left unchecked, deer can cause lasting damage to precious habitat, says Jamie Tusting

School Assignment: Pest Pigeon Control

A GCSE project from decades ago is turned into a pigeon-shooting trailer – luxurious, yes, but would it be efficient, wonders Tom Payne

There Never Is A Perfect Shot

No matter how many deer you shoot — they will always surprise you, says Patrick Laurie

A Turning Point For The Rabbit?

Across the country, there have been reports that rabbit numbers are bouncing back after decades of decline. But is it true, asks Jack Bell

Hare restorer

The stress of an ever-changing habitat is taking its toll on the hare population, but there are things we can do to boost their numbers

Sorting the wheat from the chaff

If you want to keep your birds close to home, provide good food and clean water, and never forget that foxes will be foxes, says Liam Bell

Elusive ptarmigan at the top of the world

Plentiful in Victorian times but now rarely shot, the ptarmigan offers a sporting challenge like no other gamebird, says David Tomlinson

Sako S20 Hunter in .308 Win £1,955

This innovative rifle can be reconfigured quickly to meet the needs of hunters and precision shooters alike. Bruce Potts is impressed

The perfect prep for those whistling wings

Simon Garnham thinks taking on corvids at sunset might be great practice for the fast-approaching challenges of wildfowling at dusk

Minor quarries, major quibbles

Richard Hardy airs his views on lesser-targeted game, and why their conservation is critical to the past and future of fieldsports

Don't jump the gun

A gun-shy puppy is a trainer’s worst nightmare so dogs should be carefully introduced to the sound of shot, says David Tomlinson

Dogger fisher

Every dog has its day but which breed catches the biggest trout? Armed with an array of dog fur flies, Richard Negus sets forth

Let's Not Be Antisocial

Social media is the ideal platform for shooting to promote its positive influences — but we have to be smart about it, warns Richard Negus

Top Tips For A Glorious Season

Grouse shooting luminary Matt Smith shares his secrets of success with Simon Reinhold

When it's good to talk

Hounds are expected to speak but whining or barking is frowned upon in gundog circles. David Tomlinson asks whether silence really is golden

Sika you will find

As prolific breeders that are happy to hybridise, sika deer pose a real threat to our native red deer population, says Megan Rowland

Pumping up the power

Mat Manning heads to the range with a super-high-power air rifle to see how it compares with his usual fare — and the results are impressive

The good life

Putting fresh, locally sourced meat on your table may be easier than you think

Clocking on for the cull

On a balmy summer’s evening Richard Hardy considers the thorny topic of headshots